Page:The Novels of Ivan Turgenev (volume VII).djvu/201

Rh together,' put in Kallomyetsev). 'Quite likely. Ask him into my study,' Boris Andreitch got up. 'Pardon, ma bonne. Have a game of écarté while I'm gone, or wait for me. I'll be back directly.'

Nous causerons allez! said Kallomyetsev. When Sipyagin came into his study and saw Paklin's pitiful, feeble little figure meekly huddled against the wall between the fireplace and the door, he was seized with that truly ministerial sensation of lofty compassion and fastidious condescension so characteristic of the Petersburg higher official.

'Mercy on us! What a poor little plucked bird!' he thought, 'and I do believe he's lame too!'

'Be seated,' he said aloud, giving vent to the benevolent baritone notes of his voice, and affably throwing back his little head; and he took a seat before his visitor.

'You are tired from your journey, I presume; take a seat, and let me hear what is the important business that has brought you to me so late.'

'Your Excellency,' began Paklin, dropping discreetly into a chair, 'I have made bold to come to you'

'Wait a bit, wait a bit,' Sipyagin interrupted him; 'I've seen you before. I never forget a